Promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom has given praise to Jake Paul for taking a big risk in making a fight with heavyweight prospect Hasim Rahman Jr.
Rahman Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs), the sone of former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman, has a big edge in experience, with nearly 100 amateur fights.
On the side of the fence, Paul (5-0, 4 KOs) is facing the first pro boxer of his career. He is also facing his first opponent who is physically bigger and likely stronger.
Their fight takes place on August 6th at New York's Madison Square Garden. The bout will headline a Showtime Pay-Per-View card.
Rahman was brought in to replace Tommy Fury, who was pulled from the bout after being unable to enter the United States.
“Firstly, you have to give props to Jake Paul because at this stage in his career, with the ability that he has, this is a good tough fight,” Hearn told The DAZN Boxing Show.
“You probably know more than me about Hasim Rahman Jr., he got knocked out in his last fight by Tommy Morrison’s son. It could be a really smart move by Jake Paul or it could be a horrendous move, but either way you’ve go to give Jake Paul and Nakisa some credit for a couple of things. They spun off a potential disaster with Tommy Fury, it was a complete mess, it was a circus for a while, they got themselves together, they got a new opponent, who is credible. It’s a proper fight, a real fight, so good luck to him.
"If he wins, we can’t then turn around and say he’s going to be a world champion, but you have to give him a credit because he’s making his way as a professional fighter. It’s a very solid win for someone at that stage in his career.”
